The Ultimate Vietnamese Big Bike Journey: Hanoi to Da Nang
Updated 08/05/25
Embark on an unforgettable journey: Hanoi to Da Nang by Big Bike. At Rentabike Vietnam, we’ve meticulously crafted a route that unveils the true essence of Vietnam, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil shores of Da Nang. This isn’t just a ride; it’s an immersive experience.
Over 8 days, our guided tour takes you on a meticulously planned route, ensuring you experience the best of Vietnam. Join our Run to the Sun tour for the adventure of a lifetime.
Contents
Hanoi to Danang: Big Bike Tour Map
This is the route we suggest you take for anything between 6 to 10 days. It takes you to all the great spots on the best roads. Alternatively, check out our Maps page for up to day research.
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Logistics
The Right Bike for the Job
At Rentabike Vietnam, we understand the importance of a reliable and high-performance motorcycle. Our fleet of bikes are newly purchased and regularly maintained. The CB500x is the best choice of what is readily available in Vietnam for a long haul trip like this. It is perfectly suited for the route taken and the traffic conditions experienced. It can also handle a pillion passenger as well due to the lower speeds experienced here.
What is more, we provide a thorough pre-ride inspection to ensure your bike is in peak condition and are on hand via email, telephone, messenger to help you out with translation, questions or any unfortunate incidents.
In fact, we appreciate being told of any problems you encounter and will not penalise you for letting us know. It is important for future rider safety that we know the bike’s true history
Route Planning
We can help you with this route or variation of it and have carefully curated a route that highlights the most scenic and culturally significant destinations. The route given is just a framework to get you started. Every trip will be bespoke therefore we can help with your route choices so you ride in the style that suits you.
Permits and Paperwork
Remember, you need How to Drive Legally in Vietnam and will need to have your own home license and also an IDP 1968. We also have detailed all you need to know about the penalties you may face in our blog.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility of getting insurance for the bike in Vietnam. So, driving carefully is a must.
Itinerary
Hanoi to Pu Luong: Escape from Hanoi
Your Vietnamese motorcycle adventure begins in the heart of Hanoi! After picking up your bike and taking her for a spin around the block, we head out onto the crowded city roads. We are heading towards Pu Luong Nature Reserve, but there is plenty of urban area to get through first.
We’ll stick close together and wind our way carefully through the traffic until the roads gradually open up and the commuter traffic dies down.
Pretty soon, we are cruising along and have left town far behind. This is when the real adventure begins.
This first leg is all about escaping the city and getting out into rural Vietnam. We do our best to get you off the main road as soon as possible. So, expect a mix of well-maintained asphalt roads and scenic countryside routes, which are a bit more on the bumpy side. We’ll wind through small plots of family farmed land and lush green rice paddies, as well as small traditional villages. This is the real Vietnam.
Pu Luong, with its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, offers a perfect first stop to unwind and appreciate the freedom of the open road.
Pu Luong to Tan Ky: Rise into the mountains
Today we head out of the natural beauty of Pu Luong and prepare for a more exciting ride as we head towards Tan Ky. This leg sees us winding our way up some steep mountain passes and little winding roads that Vietnam is well known for. Far removed from the long straight roads that some of you will be used to, you’ll experience the thrill of sharp curves and switchbacks while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Remember to pay attention, stay in lane and be ready for the unexpected.
This section is more challenging and a chance for you to get out of your comfort zone to test your skills. Just keep your eyes of the road and don’t get distracted by the stunning scenery. Tan Ky, although steeped in history, is a small, dull town but there are good food and hotel options to be had.
Your guide will be keeping a watchful eye on you and your bike to make sure that you are safe and comfortable.
Tan Ky to Phong Nha: Ramping up the Challenge
Now, we are really starting to crank it up as we ride from Tan Ky to Phong Nha! This section introduces you to more winding mountain roads and trickier steep corners and switchback. Practise changing gear swiftly if you want to succeed here. The CB500x eats up terrain like this, so long as you tell it what to do.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park awaits, offering a visual feast of dramatic scenery. This section is ideal for riders seeking a mix of smooth riding and engaging twists. The roads are fairly quiet and allow you to stretch your legs a little. We keep the bikes in tip top condition so you will be able to get the most out of it.
Phong Nha to Khe Sanh: The Legendary Ho Chi Minh Road
Get ready to ride a piece of history! The route from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh takes you along the iconic Ho Chi Minh Road. This is a stretch of twisty road carved out of virgin jungle and is a unique riding experience. There are varied road conditions and a feeling of history all along this stretch. You’ll see small, remote villages and locals hard at work and then stretches of desolate lonely road that may cause worry in some. This is the natural beauty of the place.
The Honda CB500x is well-equipped to handle this terrain, ensuring a comfortable ride with the ability to stop on a dime, and there being no fear of running out of fuel with its huge tank.
Near the end of day, we visit Khe Sanh, the historic airbase. You’ll see a whole raft of military machines and learn about how the war was fought here. For some it is a sombre place.
Khe Sanh to Hue: Rolling Seawards
From the historic Khe Sanh, we pass through the mountains then down towards the ancient coastal capital of Hue. This leg has smoother roads, allowing you to relax (a little) and enjoy the scenic valleys all around you. There is often rain here so be prepared. Rolling downwards can be relaxing but there is plenty of traffic so don’t take your eye off the ball.
Entering Hue is always a pleasant experience. It is very low rise and charming and full of culture. The walking street in the hear of the tourist area is again busy and lively. This gives us a chance to see how we’ve absorbed the local driving methods.
Hue to Da Nang: Master the Hai Van Pass and Coastal Roads
The grand finale of your Vietnamese motorcycle tour! The ride from Hue to Da Nang includes the legendary Hai Van Pass, a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast. This is an amazing ribbon of road that gives us stunning coastal views whilst throwing us into challenging curves. It’s so much fun that people ask to ride it again.
The final stint of the journey is coming off the pass and along the long sandy coastline over to Danang. If there is time we’ll take a detour around Son Tra Mountain for more views and historic sights. Then, to Danang and your hotel.
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Reflections
At Rentabike Vietnam, our aim is to provide an exceptional motorcycle touring experience. Our tours are designed to get you off the main roads and to quieter more scenic areas. Our expert guides are friendly and helpful and they are there to keep you safe and offer assistance when needed.
You only need to enjoy the ride whilst we handle all the logistics, from accommodation to meals, making sure you have a throughly enjoyable journey.
Our tour packages are competitively priced, offering excellent value for an all-inclusive adventure. Contact us for detailed pricing and booking information.
Ready to embark on your Vietnamese motorcycle adventure? Contact us today to learn more and book your tour. We’re here to answer your questions and help you plan your dream trip.”
FAQ
How long does the Hanoi to Da Nang ride typically take on a CB500x?
The distance is roughly 800-1000+ km depending on your exact route (Highway 1A vs. Ho Chi Minh Road variants). While it could be rushed in 3-4 days, that wouldn’t be enjoyable. For a comfortable pace on the CB500X, allowing for sightseeing, rest days, and potential delays (weather, minor repairs), we plan for 7 to 10 days. This allows for daily riding distances of 150-250 km, which is manageable and lets you appreciate the scenery.
What are the road conditions generally like, especially on the Ho Chi Minh Road? Are there sections the CB500X might struggle with?
Road Conditions vary significantly.
Highway 1A: Mostly paved, often busy, can have potholes especially after rainy seasons.
Ho Chi Minh Road: Mostly paved, often single-lane each way. Expect winding mountain passes, some sections with older pavement, potholes, occasional gravel patches (especially after rain), and potential landslides during wet season (though less likely in drier months).
CB500X Suitability: The bike will handle 99% of this route fine. Its suspension travel is decent for imperfections. Only extreme unpaved sections or deep mud (unlikely on the main routes unless there’s very recent, heavy rain) would pose a real challenge. Standard road tires are sufficient.
What about fuel availability along the Ho Chi Minh Road, and what's the realistic fuel range of the CB500X?
Fuel availability is generally good, even on the HCM Road. Petrol stations (Cây xăng) are present in towns and even some larger villages. However, stretches between towns can be 50-100km or occasionally more.
CB500X Range: The CB500X has around a 17.7-litre tank and gets excellent fuel economy (typically 25-30+ km/litre). You can realistically expect a range of 350-450+ km per tank depending on your riding style and the terrain.
Recommendation: Always top up your tank when you pass through a decent-sized town if you’re below half-full, especially on the more remote HCM Road sections. We do not recommend carrying fuel. It is awkward, dangerous and unneccessary.
When is the best time of year to ride from Hanoi to Da Nang regarding weather?
The spring months (March to May) are often considered the best. Weather is generally warming up, rainfall is lower than in summer, and skies are often clearer.
Autumn (September to November) is also a good option, though the typhoon season can affect the central coast (including Da Nang) primarily from Sept-Nov, bringing potential heavy rain and wind. Check forecasts carefully.
Winter (December to February): Can be cold and foggy/drizzly, especially in the northern mountains and passes. Requires warmer gear.
Summer (June to August): Can be very hot and humid, with increased chances of heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons.
What essential safety gear is recommended (and legally required) for this trip?
Legally Required: A helmet is legally mandatory for all riders and passengers in Vietnam. While locals often wear basic helmets, a proper, well-fitting full-face or modular helmet is highly recommended for safety.
Highly Recommended:
Motorcycle Jacket: With armour (shoulders, elbows, back). Provides abrasion resistance and impact protection. Mesh jackets are good for the heat.
Gloves: Protect your hands in a fall and reduce fatigue.
Sturdy Trousers: Motorcycle-specific riding pants offer the best protection. At a minimum, wear durable long trousers (jeans, canvas). Avoid shorts.
Boots: Over-the-ankle boots provide crucial ankle support and protection. Proper motorcycle boots are best. Sturdy hiking boots are a minimum. Avoid trainers or sandals.
Rain Gear: A good quality waterproof outer layer is essential, even outside the main rainy season, as showers can occur.
Run to the Sun
This tour takes you from the northern highlands to the central coast and gives you a great insight into may different aspects of vietnamese cutlure. You will see a range of local people, their traditions and how they fit into the countryside around them. The large majority of the roads are large and allow for enjoyable cruising, even though you still need to be very aware of other road users at times.
Join us on this amazing tour for a once in a lifetime experience.
